Carlos Alcaraz is into a second consecutive Roland Garros final after Lorenzo Musetti retired in the fourth set of their semi-final clash.
The Italian played a superb first two sets but Musetti couldn’t physically maintain his level as Alcaraz cruised through the third set.
After leading 4-6 7-6(3) 6-0 2-0, Alcaraz will now get a chance to defend his Roland Garros title against Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic.
The first set saw Alcaraz use the forehand to pin Musetti back as the Spaniard had a couple of early half-chances to break the Italian’s serve.
However Musetti was clinical and proactive on the big points in what was fairly heavy conditions under the Court Philippe-Chatrier roof.
As the set went on Musetti grew in confidence but still couldn’t find the breakthrough with the Alcaraz doing most of the damage.
Ultimately the opening set came down to whoever would produce the more errors and would feel the tension of the set.
Despite Alcaraz’s good work from the baseline, it was the Spaniard who blinked first as he missed some important first serves in crucial moments.
It allowed Musetti to take advantage as he pressed Alcaraz with the forehand and it worked to perfection as he broke for the set in a stunning turn of events.
The second set saw an emphatic response from Alcaraz as succulent dropshot winner secured a break to love as the Spaniard secured the 2-1 lead.
However, unforced errors became Alcaraz’s achillies heel at key moments and Musetti once again took advantage to break immediately back.
As the set went on the level got better and better as Alcaraz pushed and pushes for the break with Musetti letting out a monumental roar when he held for a 5-4 lead.
Resistance from Musetti on serve didn’t last long as he was broken in the eleventh game as Alcaraz would serve for the set at 6-5.
Once again Alcaraz proved to be too erratic as he was broken with the second set going to a tiebreak.
Learning from his mistakes, Alcaraz dominated the tiebreak as he dealt with Musetti’s spin much better and a disciplined performance saw him take the tiebreak 7-3. One set all.
That would cost the Italian as he had no real energy to deal with a hungry, determined and disciplined Alcaraz who cruised to eight consecutive game to take control of this contest.
It was clear that Musetti was dealing with physical problems and after being broken in the fourth set, the eighth seed retired giving Alcaraz the opportunity to defend his title on Sunday.
Now Alcaraz will renew his rivalry with either world number one Jannik Sinner or 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
